US20200083629A1 - Low-Force Push-In Electrical Terminal - Google Patents
Low-Force Push-In Electrical Terminal Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200083629A1 US20200083629A1 US16/124,597 US201816124597A US2020083629A1 US 20200083629 A1 US20200083629 A1 US 20200083629A1 US 201816124597 A US201816124597 A US 201816124597A US 2020083629 A1 US2020083629 A1 US 2020083629A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- terminal
- electrical
- wire
- lever
- electrical terminal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 52
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 28
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 28
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 claims description 17
- 239000012212 insulator Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
- H01R13/42—Securing in a demountable manner
- H01R13/424—Securing in base or case composed of a plurality of insulating parts having at least one resilient insulating part
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
- H01R13/42—Securing in a demountable manner
- H01R13/436—Securing a plurality of contact members by one locking piece or operation
- H01R13/4367—Insertion of locking piece from the rear
- H01R13/4368—Insertion of locking piece from the rear comprising a temporary and a final locking position
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/02—Contact members
- H01R13/15—Pins, blades or sockets having separate spring member for producing or increasing contact pressure
- H01R13/187—Pins, blades or sockets having separate spring member for producing or increasing contact pressure with spring member in the socket
-
- H01R4/4818—
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
- H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
- H01R4/48—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member
- H01R4/4809—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member using a leaf spring to bias the conductor toward the busbar
- H01R4/48185—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member using a leaf spring to bias the conductor toward the busbar adapted for axial insertion of a wire end
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
- H01R43/20—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for assembling or disassembling contact members with insulating base, case or sleeve
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
- H01R13/639—Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap
Definitions
- This invention relates to an electrical terminal. More specifically, this invention relates to an electrical terminal with a push-in connection for an electrical wire.
- a typical electrical terminal is made of an electrically-conductive material and includes a mate portion that engages the matching electrical terminal and a contact portion that engages the electrical wire.
- the contact portion provides an electrical connection between the electrical terminal and a conductor portion of the electrical wire. Additionally, in order to prevent the wire from pulling away from the electrical terminal, the contact portion maintains a physical connection with the electrical wire.
- connections used in the contact portion include crimped, welded, or push-in connections. It would be advantageous to have an alternative electrical terminal with a push-in connection.
- the invention relates to an electrical terminal.
- the electrical terminal includes a terminal base.
- a mate portion is attached to the terminal base and is adapted to mate with a corresponding electrical terminal.
- a conductor contact portion includes a box attached to the terminal base. The box defines an interior space.
- a lever extends from a wall of the box.
- the lever includes a curve and extends toward the terminal base.
- the lever is adapted to engage a conductor of a wire inserted into the box.
- the lever includes lift tabs that extend from the lever to outside the box.
- the invention in another embodiment, relates to an electrical connector assembly.
- the electrical connector assembly includes an electrical terminal.
- the electrical terminal has a terminal base.
- a mate portion is attached to the terminal base and adapted to mate with a corresponding electrical terminal.
- a conductor contact portion includes a lever that extends toward the terminal base.
- the lever is adapted to engage a conductor of a wire.
- the lever includes lift tabs.
- the electrical connector assembly also includes an electrical connector.
- the electrical connector includes a terminal slot. The electrical connector is movable between a pre-lock position and a locked position. In the pre-lock position the electrical terminal is located in the terminal slot and the electrical connector engages the lift tabs to move the lever away from the terminal base. In the locked position the connector retains the electrical terminal in the terminal slot and the lever is biased toward the terminal base.
- the invention in another embodiment, relates to a method of connecting a wire to an electrical connector assembly.
- the method includes providing an electrical connector assembly with an electrical terminal held in a housing and a terminal position assurance attached to the housing in a pre-lock position.
- the terminal position assurance engages a conductor contact portion of the electrical terminal to maintain it in a pre-lock position.
- the method includes inserting a wire into the electrical terminal assembly.
- the method further includes moving the terminal position assurance to a locked position relative to the housing. In the locked position, the terminal position assurance allows the conductor contact portion of the electrical terminal to move to a locked position wherein the conductor contact portion engages a conductor of the wire. In the locked position, the terminal position assurance also engages an insulation contact portion of the electrical terminal to press the insulation contact portion into engagement with an insulator of the wire.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of an electrical terminal that includes a push-in wire connector.
- FIG. 2 is a top view of the electrical terminal.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical terminal taken along the line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of an electrical terminal assembly, including the electrical terminal and an electrical connector, prior to assembly.
- FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a housing of the electrical connector, with the electrical terminal shown in a seated position in the housing.
- FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 5A .
- FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5A , showing a terminal position assurance engaged with the terminal in a pre-lock position.
- FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 6B .
- FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6A , showing a wire inserted into the electrical terminal.
- FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 7B .
- FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 7A , showing the terminal position assurance in a locked position.
- FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 8Aa .
- FIG. 1 a side view of an electrical terminal in accordance with the invention, indicated generally at 10 .
- the illustrated electrical terminal 10 is made from a single sheet of metal, stamped and folded into the configuration shown. However, the electrical terminal 10 may be made from any desired material and by any desired process.
- FIG. 2 is a top view of the electrical terminal 10
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical terminal 10 taken along the line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 .
- the electrical terminal 10 includes a mate portion, indicated generally at 14 , that is configured to be mated with a corresponding electrical terminal (not shown).
- the illustrated mate portion 14 is a two-armed female terminal that is configured to mate with a male pin-type terminal inserted along a terminal axis 16 .
- the mate portion 14 may be any desired type of connection.
- the electrical terminal 10 also includes a contact portion, indicated generally at 18 , that is configured to engage a wire 12 (shown in FIG. 4 ).
- the contact portion 18 includes a conductor contact portion 20 , which is configured to engage a conductor 22 of the wire 12 to provide electrical contact between the electrical terminal 10 and the conductor 22 .
- the contact portion 18 also includes an insulation contact portion 24 that is configured to engage an insulator 26 of the wire 12 .
- the connection of the electrical terminal 10 will be described in detail below.
- the electrical terminal 10 includes a terminal base 28 .
- the illustrated terminal base 28 is a continuous piece that extends from the mate portion 14 through the conductor contact portion 20 to the insulation contact portion 24 .
- the mate portion 14 includes two terminal arms 30 that extend from the terminal base 28 and are located on opposed sides of the terminal axis 16 .
- the conductor contact portion 20 includes a box 32 that extends from the terminal base 28 .
- the box 32 defines an interior space, indicated generally at 34 .
- the illustrated box 32 is positioned so that the terminal axis 16 extends through the interior space 34 .
- the illustrated box 32 includes an outer wall 36 that is located on an opposed side of the interior space 34 from the terminal base 28 .
- Two side walls 38 are located on opposed sides of the interior space 34 and extend from the terminal base 28 to the outer wall 36 .
- one of the side walls 38 includes a dovetail lock 40 (seen in FIG. 3 ).
- the dovetail lock 40 helps retain the box 32 in its assembled state. However, the box 32 may be held together by any desired connector or mechanism.
- the conductor contact portion 20 also includes a front wall 42 that is located between the interior space 34 and the mate portion 14 .
- the front wall 42 is made from pieces of material that are folded from the outer wall 36 toward the terminal base 28 .
- the front wall 42 may extend from any desired part of the electrical terminal 10 .
- the box 32 includes an open side 44 which allows for insertion of the wire 12 into the interior space 34 , as will be described below.
- the open side 44 is located opposite the front wall 42 , but may be on any desired portion of the box 32 .
- the conductor contact portion 20 includes a lever 46 that serves to engage the wire 12 , as will be described below.
- the illustrated lever 46 is stamped from the same piece of material as the rest of the electrical terminal 10 , but the lever 46 may be a separate component if desired.
- the illustrated lever 46 extends from the outer wall 36 of the box 32 , but may extend from any desired part of the electrical terminal 10 .
- the lever 46 extends from the box 32 , and at least a portion of the lever 46 is located outside the interior space 34 of the box 32 .
- the lever 46 extends through the open side 44 of the box 32 into the interior space 34 .
- the lever 46 includes a curved portion 48 where the lever 46 is bent so that the extended portion of the outer wall 36 extends into the interior space 34 .
- the curved portion 48 may have any desired size or curvature.
- the lever 46 is shown in an initial position in FIGS. 1-3 .
- the lever 46 extends from the outer wall 36 toward the opposed side of the box 32 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 46 extends from the outer wall 36 toward the terminal base 28 . However, the lever 46 may extend toward any desired part of the electrical terminal 10 .
- the lever 46 includes an engagement edge 50 , which is the part of the lever 46 that is nearest the terminal base 28 .
- the engagement edge 50 is the part of the lever 46 that engages the wire 12 , as will be described the below. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement edge 50 is a distal end of the lever 46 , but may be any desired part of the lever 46 .
- the engagement edge 50 of the lever 46 is located in the interior space 34 of the box 32 .
- the lever 46 and the terminal base 28 define an insertion channel, indicated generally at 52 , therebetween.
- the insertion channel 52 extends from the engagement edge 50 of the lever 46 toward the open side 44 of the box 32 .
- the illustrated insertion channel 52 is wedge-shaped, being widest at the open side 44 and narrowest at the engagement edge 50 , although such is not required.
- the lever 46 includes two lift tabs 54 that extend from opposed sides of the lever 46 .
- the illustrated lift tabs 54 extend from the lever 46 between the curved portion 48 and the engagement edge 50 .
- the illustrated lift tabs 54 also extend from a part of the lever 46 that is located in the interior space 34 of the box 32 .
- the lift tabs 54 may extend from any desired part of the lever 46 .
- each side wall 38 defines a tab opening 56 that allows one of the lift tabs 54 to extend from the interior space 34 out of the box 32 .
- the lift tabs 54 may be located or shaped such that there are no tab openings 56 .
- each lift tab 54 includes a guide surface 57 that is a curved surface formed by a part of the lift tab 54 bent away from the terminal base 28 . The purpose of the lift tabs 54 will be described below.
- the distance between the terminal axis 16 and the terminal base 28 is different at different parts of the electrical terminal 10 .
- the terminal base 28 includes an offset 58 that is located between the conductor contact portion 18 and the insulation contact portion 24 . In the conductor contact portion 18 , the terminal base 28 is closer to the terminal axis 16 than it is in the insulation contact portion 24 .
- the offset 58 helps the wire 12 to be inserted into the electrical terminal 10 while being coaxial with the terminal axis 16 , as described below.
- the particular size of the offset 58 can be selected depending on the relative sizes of the terminal arms 30 , the conductor 22 , and the insulator 26 .
- the insulation contact portion 24 extends from the offset 58 to an insertion end 60 of the electrical terminal 10 .
- the terminal base 28 includes two struts 62 that extend substantially between the offset 58 the insertion end 60 .
- the illustrated struts 62 are mirror-images of each other, but may have different shapes if desired.
- Each strut 62 includes a guide channel 64 .
- the illustrated guide channels 64 are slots that are punched through the respective strut 62 .
- Each of the guide channels 64 extends parallel to the terminal axis 16 .
- the electrical terminal 10 includes a strut connection 66 at the insertion end 60 that is attached to each of the struts 62 to prevent the struts 62 from deflecting from their relative positions.
- the insulation contact portion 24 includes a resilient, V-shaped wire contact 68 .
- the wire contact 68 includes a fixed end 70 , a free end 72 , and an intermediate peak 74 .
- the fixed end 70 of the wire contact 68 extends from the terminal base 28 near the offset 58 .
- the fixed end 70 is located between the two struts 62 , and a first wing 76 of the wire contact 68 extends from the fixed end 70 to the peak 74 .
- the free end 72 of the wire contact 68 includes two guide tabs 78 that extend from opposed sides of the free end 72 .
- Each of the guide tabs 78 is located in one of the guide channels 64 on the struts 62 .
- the guide tabs 78 are not fixed to the struts 62 and, thus, are able to move in the respective guide channel 64 relative to the struts 62 in a direction generally parallel to the terminal axis 16 .
- a second wing 80 of the wire contact 68 extends from the free end 72 to the peak 74 .
- the peak 74 is a curved portion of the wire contact 68 located where the first wing 76 and the second wing 80 meet. In the illustrated embodiment, the peak 74 and the terminal base 28 are located on opposed sides of the terminal axis 16 .
- the peak 74 may have any desired shape or orientation.
- the wire contact 68 includes a first wire contact opening 82 that extends through the first wing 76 .
- the first wire contact opening 82 has an elliptical shape, but may have any desired shape.
- the terminal axis 16 passes through the center of the illustrated first wire contact opening 82 , but the first wire contact opening 82 may be in any desired position.
- the wire contact 68 also includes a second wire contact opening 84 that extends through the second wing 80 .
- the second wire contact opening 84 has an elliptical shape, but may have any desired shape.
- the terminal axis 16 passes through the center of the illustrated second wire contact opening 84 , but the second wire contact opening 84 may be in any desired position.
- the electrical terminal 10 includes a terminal lock 86 .
- the illustrated terminal lock 86 includes a pair of resilient arms. Each resilient arm 86 extends from one of the struts 62 near the insertion end 60 , and extends toward the contact portion 14 . The operation of the terminal lock 86 will be described below.
- the electrical connector assembly 87 includes both the electrical terminal 10 and an electrical connector, indicated generally at 88 .
- the electrical connector 88 includes a housing 90 and a terminal position assurance (TPA) 92 .
- the illustrated housing 90 is molded from plastic, but may be made by any desired material and process.
- the housing 90 includes a terminal slot 94 that is adapted to hold the electrical terminal 10 for mating with a corresponding terminal (not shown) when the electrical connector 88 is mated with a corresponding connector (not shown).
- TPA terminal position assurance
- the housing 90 includes a terminal slot 94 that is adapted to hold the electrical terminal 10 for mating with a corresponding terminal (not shown) when the electrical connector 88 is mated with a corresponding connector (not shown).
- the illustrated housing 90 is able to hold two electrical terminals, and the housing 90 may be configured to hold any desired number of electrical terminals.
- FIG. 5A there is illustrated a cross-section view taken through the terminal slot 94 when the electrical terminal 10 is in a seated position in the housing 90 .
- FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 5A .
- the electrical terminal 10 is moved to the seated position by moving the insertion end 60 into the terminal slot 94 in a mate direction 96 .
- the mate direction 96 is parallel to the terminal axis 16 , but may have any desired orientation.
- the housing 90 includes a terminal support 98 on one side of the terminal slot 94 , and a portion of the terminal base 28 is positioned adjacent to the terminal support 98 .
- the housing 90 includes a terminal retainer 100 that holds the electrical terminal 10 in the terminal slot 94 .
- the illustrated terminal retainer 100 is a pair of tabs (one is visible in FIG. 5A ).
- each resilient arm 86 on the electrical terminal 10 engages one of the tabs 100 and is deflected.
- the resilient arms 86 rebound to the position shown in FIG. 5A and will engage the tabs 100 to prevent the electrical terminal 10 from being removed from the housing 90 .
- the housing 90 includes release openings 102 that allow a tool (not shown) to be inserted into the housing 90 to deflect the resilient arms 86 so that the terminal lock 86 can be disengaged from the terminal retainer 100 . This allows the electrical terminal 10 to be removed from the housing 90 to be repaired or replaced, if desired.
- FIG. 6A a view similar to FIG. 5A is illustrated, with the TPA 92 shown in a pre-lock position relative to the housing 90 .
- FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 6A .
- the illustrated TPA 92 is moved to the pre-lock position by positioning the TPA 92 with an insertion end 104 facing the housing 90 and moving the TPA 92 in the mate direction 92 relative to the housing 90 .
- the TPA 92 includes TPA locks 106 that retain the TPA 92 in the pre-lock position relative to the housing 90 .
- the illustrated TPA locks 106 include resilient arms located on opposed sides of the terminal slot 94 . Each resilient arm includes a tab that engages a respective pre-lock slot 108 on the housing 90 .
- the illustrated TPA 92 includes two resilient arms, but may include any desired number or type of TPA lock.
- the TPA 92 includes a lever switch 110 that engages the electrical terminal 10 to move the lever 46 from the initial position (shown in FIGS. 1-5 ) to a pre-lock position (shown in FIG. 6 ).
- the pre-lock position the lever 46 is lifted away from the terminal base 28 and the insertion channel 52 is made larger. Additionally, the lever 46 is moved so that the terminal axis 16 does not pass through the lever 46 . Rather, when the lever 46 is in the pre-lock position, the terminal axis 16 passes between the lever 46 and the terminal base 28 .
- the TPA 92 includes two lever switches 110 on opposite sides of the electrical terminal 10 , adjacent to the side walls 38 .
- Each lever switch 110 engages one of the lift tabs 54 when the TPA 92 is in the pre-lock position.
- Each lever switch 110 includes a lift surface 112 that is sloped relative to the terminal axis 16 . As the TPA 92 is moved into the pre-lock position, the lift surface 112 engages the guide surface 57 on the respective lift tab 54 and biases the lever 46 away from the terminal base 28 .
- FIG. 7A a view similar to FIG. 6A is illustrated, with the wire 12 shown in an inserted position relative to the electrical terminal 10 .
- FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 7A .
- the housing 90 includes a wire opening 114 that allows the wire to be inserted into the housing 90 and into the terminal slot 94 .
- the terminal axis 16 passes through the wire opening 114 .
- the wire opening 114 may have any desired orientation.
- the wire 12 includes an exposed end 116 where a portion of the conductor 22 is exposed by removal of a portion of the insulator 26 from the wire 12 .
- the wire 12 is initially positioned adjacent to the housing 90 and is then moved into the wire opening 114 in an insertion direction 118 .
- the insertion direction 118 is parallel to the terminal axis 16 and is opposite the mate direction 92 .
- the insertion direction 118 may have any desired orientation.
- the exposed end 116 of the wire 12 is moved through the wire opening 114 , through the second wire contact opening 84 on the wire contact 68 of the electrical terminal 10 , through the first wire contact opening 82 , and into the interior space 34 of the box 32 .
- the lever 46 in the pre-lock position the conductor 22 of the wire 12 is able to be inserted into the insertion channel 52 between the terminal base 28 and the engagement edge 50 of the lever 46 without engaging the lever 46 .
- the lever 46 is not displaced by the insertion of the wire 12 . This reduces the amount of force required to insert the wire 12 into the electrical terminal 10 .
- the lever 46 in the pre-lock position may be in a position where the conductor 22 does engage the lever 46 , if desired.
- the wire 12 is moved farther in the insertion direction 118 until the conductor 22 engages a wire stop 120 on the box 32 (shown on FIG. 3 ), which prevents further movement of the conductor 22 in the insertion direction 118 .
- the wire stop 120 is a portion of the front wall 42 .
- FIG. 8A a view similar to FIG. 7A is illustrated, with the TPA 92 shown in a locked position relative to the housing 90 .
- FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 8A .
- the illustrated TPA 92 is moved to the locked position by moving the TPA 92 from the pre-lock position (shown in FIG. 7A ) in the mate direction 92 relative to the housing 90 .
- the TPA locks 106 are biased out of the pre-lock slots 108 .
- the TPA locks 106 rebound into final lock slots 122 on the housing 90 .
- the lever switch 110 allows the lever 46 to move from the pre-lock position to a locked position.
- the lever 46 In the locked position, the lever 46 is moved toward the terminal base 28 and the insertion channel 52 is made smaller. This allows the engagement edge 50 of the lever 46 to engage the conductor 22 of the wire 12 .
- the TPA 92 includes switch wells 124 that are located adjacent to the lever switches 110 .
- the switch wells 124 are portions of the TPA 92 that are closer to the terminal base 28 than the lever switches 110 are.
- the illustrated conductor notch 126 is a cut-out portion of the engagement edge 50 of the lever 46 that has a generally semi-circular shape.
- the conductor 22 is located partially in the conductor notch 126 , which increases the contact area between the lever 46 and the conductor 22 .
- the engagement of the conductor 22 with the lever 46 and the terminal base 28 provides an electrical connection between the conductor 22 and the electrical terminal 10 .
- the engagement of the conductor 22 with the lever 46 and the terminal base 28 also resists the wire 12 from being removed from the electrical terminal 10 . If a force is applied to move the wire 12 opposite the insertion direction 118 relative to the electrical terminal 10 , the lever 46 will be pulled opposite the insertion direction 118 and will pinch the conductor 22 between the lever 46 and the terminal base 28 .
- the TPA 92 also includes a wire lock 128 which engages the wire contact 68 in order to press the wire contact 68 into a locked position in engagement with the wire 12 .
- the wire lock 128 is located in the terminal slot 94 so that the electrical terminal 10 is located between the terminal support 98 and the wire lock 128 .
- the wire lock 128 engages the peak 74 of the wire contact 68 and pushes the peak 74 toward the terminal base 28 .
- the free end 72 of the wire contact 68 is pushed toward the insertion end 60 of the electrical terminal 10 .
- the guide tabs 78 located in the guide channels 64 restrict how far the free end 72 is able to move away from the terminal axis 16 .
- the portions of the wire 12 in the wire contact openings 82 and 84 include the insulator 26 .
- the first wing 76 and the second wing 80 are moved so that a first engagement edge 130 and a second engagement edge 132 are pushed into the insulator 26 of the wire 12 .
- the engagement edges 130 and 132 are the portions of the wings 76 and 80 defining the sides of the wire contact openings 82 and 84 , nearest the peak 74 .
- the wire contact 68 is made of a harder material than the insulator 26 , and the insulator 26 is displaced by the engagement edges 130 and 132 .
- the insulation contact portion 24 resists the wire 12 being removed from the electrical terminal 10 .
- a force applied to move the wire 12 away from the electrical terminal 10 will be resisted by the engagement of the wire contact 68 with the insulator 26 of the wire 12 .
- the wire contact 68 may engage with the conductor 22 of the wire 12 .
- the illustrated insulation contact portion 24 has been described in detail, the electrical terminal 10 may have any desired connection to the insulator 26 of the wire.
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to an electrical terminal. More specifically, this invention relates to an electrical terminal with a push-in connection for an electrical wire.
- Electrical terminals are normally used in matching pairs in order to allow electrical connections to be made between electrical wires or electrical devices. A typical electrical terminal is made of an electrically-conductive material and includes a mate portion that engages the matching electrical terminal and a contact portion that engages the electrical wire. In order to provide a desired flow of electrical current between the wire and the electrical terminal, the contact portion provides an electrical connection between the electrical terminal and a conductor portion of the electrical wire. Additionally, in order to prevent the wire from pulling away from the electrical terminal, the contact portion maintains a physical connection with the electrical wire.
- Common types of connections used in the contact portion include crimped, welded, or push-in connections. It would be advantageous to have an alternative electrical terminal with a push-in connection.
- The invention relates to an electrical terminal. The electrical terminal includes a terminal base. A mate portion is attached to the terminal base and is adapted to mate with a corresponding electrical terminal. A conductor contact portion includes a box attached to the terminal base. The box defines an interior space. A lever extends from a wall of the box. The lever includes a curve and extends toward the terminal base. The lever is adapted to engage a conductor of a wire inserted into the box. The lever includes lift tabs that extend from the lever to outside the box.
- In another embodiment, the invention relates to an electrical connector assembly. The electrical connector assembly includes an electrical terminal. The electrical terminal has a terminal base. A mate portion is attached to the terminal base and adapted to mate with a corresponding electrical terminal. A conductor contact portion includes a lever that extends toward the terminal base. The lever is adapted to engage a conductor of a wire. The lever includes lift tabs. The electrical connector assembly also includes an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes a terminal slot. The electrical connector is movable between a pre-lock position and a locked position. In the pre-lock position the electrical terminal is located in the terminal slot and the electrical connector engages the lift tabs to move the lever away from the terminal base. In the locked position the connector retains the electrical terminal in the terminal slot and the lever is biased toward the terminal base.
- In another embodiment, the invention relates to a method of connecting a wire to an electrical connector assembly. The method includes providing an electrical connector assembly with an electrical terminal held in a housing and a terminal position assurance attached to the housing in a pre-lock position. The terminal position assurance engages a conductor contact portion of the electrical terminal to maintain it in a pre-lock position. The method includes inserting a wire into the electrical terminal assembly. The method further includes moving the terminal position assurance to a locked position relative to the housing. In the locked position, the terminal position assurance allows the conductor contact portion of the electrical terminal to move to a locked position wherein the conductor contact portion engages a conductor of the wire. In the locked position, the terminal position assurance also engages an insulation contact portion of the electrical terminal to press the insulation contact portion into engagement with an insulator of the wire.
- Various aspects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of an electrical terminal that includes a push-in wire connector. -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the electrical terminal. -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical terminal taken along the line 3-3 ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of an electrical terminal assembly, including the electrical terminal and an electrical connector, prior to assembly. -
FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a housing of the electrical connector, with the electrical terminal shown in a seated position in the housing. -
FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B ofFIG. 5A . -
FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 5A , showing a terminal position assurance engaged with the terminal in a pre-lock position. -
FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B ofFIG. 6B . -
FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 6A , showing a wire inserted into the electrical terminal. -
FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B ofFIG. 7B . -
FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 7A , showing the terminal position assurance in a locked position. -
FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B ofFIG. 8Aa . - Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in
FIG. 1 a side view of an electrical terminal in accordance with the invention, indicated generally at 10. The illustratedelectrical terminal 10 is made from a single sheet of metal, stamped and folded into the configuration shown. However, theelectrical terminal 10 may be made from any desired material and by any desired process.FIG. 2 is a top view of theelectrical terminal 10, andFIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of theelectrical terminal 10 taken along the line 3-3 ofFIG. 2 . - The
electrical terminal 10 includes a mate portion, indicated generally at 14, that is configured to be mated with a corresponding electrical terminal (not shown). The illustratedmate portion 14 is a two-armed female terminal that is configured to mate with a male pin-type terminal inserted along aterminal axis 16. However, themate portion 14 may be any desired type of connection. - The
electrical terminal 10 also includes a contact portion, indicated generally at 18, that is configured to engage a wire 12 (shown inFIG. 4 ). Thecontact portion 18 includes aconductor contact portion 20, which is configured to engage aconductor 22 of thewire 12 to provide electrical contact between theelectrical terminal 10 and theconductor 22. Thecontact portion 18 also includes aninsulation contact portion 24 that is configured to engage aninsulator 26 of thewire 12. The connection of theelectrical terminal 10 will be described in detail below. - The
electrical terminal 10 includes aterminal base 28. The illustratedterminal base 28 is a continuous piece that extends from themate portion 14 through theconductor contact portion 20 to theinsulation contact portion 24. Themate portion 14 includes twoterminal arms 30 that extend from theterminal base 28 and are located on opposed sides of theterminal axis 16. - The
conductor contact portion 20 includes abox 32 that extends from theterminal base 28. Thebox 32 defines an interior space, indicated generally at 34. The illustratedbox 32 is positioned so that theterminal axis 16 extends through theinterior space 34. The illustratedbox 32 includes anouter wall 36 that is located on an opposed side of theinterior space 34 from theterminal base 28. Twoside walls 38 are located on opposed sides of theinterior space 34 and extend from theterminal base 28 to theouter wall 36. In the illustrated embodiment, one of theside walls 38 includes a dovetail lock 40 (seen inFIG. 3 ). Thedovetail lock 40 helps retain thebox 32 in its assembled state. However, thebox 32 may be held together by any desired connector or mechanism. - The
conductor contact portion 20 also includes afront wall 42 that is located between theinterior space 34 and themate portion 14. In the illustrated embodiment, thefront wall 42 is made from pieces of material that are folded from theouter wall 36 toward theterminal base 28. However, thefront wall 42 may extend from any desired part of theelectrical terminal 10. Thebox 32 includes anopen side 44 which allows for insertion of thewire 12 into theinterior space 34, as will be described below. In the illustrated embodiment, theopen side 44 is located opposite thefront wall 42, but may be on any desired portion of thebox 32. - The
conductor contact portion 20 includes alever 46 that serves to engage thewire 12, as will be described below. The illustratedlever 46 is stamped from the same piece of material as the rest of theelectrical terminal 10, but thelever 46 may be a separate component if desired. The illustratedlever 46 extends from theouter wall 36 of thebox 32, but may extend from any desired part of theelectrical terminal 10. Thelever 46 extends from thebox 32, and at least a portion of thelever 46 is located outside theinterior space 34 of thebox 32. Thelever 46 extends through theopen side 44 of thebox 32 into theinterior space 34. Thelever 46 includes acurved portion 48 where thelever 46 is bent so that the extended portion of theouter wall 36 extends into theinterior space 34. Thecurved portion 48 may have any desired size or curvature. Thelever 46 is shown in an initial position inFIGS. 1-3 . - The
lever 46 extends from theouter wall 36 toward the opposed side of thebox 32. In the illustrated embodiment, thelever 46 extends from theouter wall 36 toward theterminal base 28. However, thelever 46 may extend toward any desired part of theelectrical terminal 10. Thelever 46 includes anengagement edge 50, which is the part of thelever 46 that is nearest theterminal base 28. Theengagement edge 50 is the part of thelever 46 that engages thewire 12, as will be described the below. In the illustrated embodiment, theengagement edge 50 is a distal end of thelever 46, but may be any desired part of thelever 46. Theengagement edge 50 of thelever 46 is located in theinterior space 34 of thebox 32. - The
lever 46 and theterminal base 28 define an insertion channel, indicated generally at 52, therebetween. Theinsertion channel 52 extends from theengagement edge 50 of thelever 46 toward theopen side 44 of thebox 32. The illustratedinsertion channel 52 is wedge-shaped, being widest at theopen side 44 and narrowest at theengagement edge 50, although such is not required. - The
lever 46 includes twolift tabs 54 that extend from opposed sides of thelever 46. The illustratedlift tabs 54 extend from thelever 46 between thecurved portion 48 and theengagement edge 50. The illustratedlift tabs 54 also extend from a part of thelever 46 that is located in theinterior space 34 of thebox 32. However, thelift tabs 54 may extend from any desired part of thelever 46. In the illustrated embodiment, eachside wall 38 defines atab opening 56 that allows one of thelift tabs 54 to extend from theinterior space 34 out of thebox 32. However, thelift tabs 54 may be located or shaped such that there are notab openings 56. In the illustrated embodiment, eachlift tab 54 includes aguide surface 57 that is a curved surface formed by a part of thelift tab 54 bent away from theterminal base 28. The purpose of thelift tabs 54 will be described below. - In the illustrated embodiment, the distance between the
terminal axis 16 and theterminal base 28 is different at different parts of theelectrical terminal 10. Theterminal base 28 includes an offset 58 that is located between theconductor contact portion 18 and theinsulation contact portion 24. In theconductor contact portion 18, theterminal base 28 is closer to theterminal axis 16 than it is in theinsulation contact portion 24. The offset 58 helps thewire 12 to be inserted into theelectrical terminal 10 while being coaxial with theterminal axis 16, as described below. The particular size of the offset 58 can be selected depending on the relative sizes of theterminal arms 30, theconductor 22, and theinsulator 26. - The
insulation contact portion 24 extends from the offset 58 to aninsertion end 60 of theelectrical terminal 10. Theterminal base 28 includes twostruts 62 that extend substantially between the offset 58 theinsertion end 60. The illustrated struts 62 are mirror-images of each other, but may have different shapes if desired. Eachstrut 62 includes aguide channel 64. The illustratedguide channels 64 are slots that are punched through therespective strut 62. Each of theguide channels 64 extends parallel to theterminal axis 16. Theelectrical terminal 10 includes astrut connection 66 at theinsertion end 60 that is attached to each of thestruts 62 to prevent thestruts 62 from deflecting from their relative positions. - The
insulation contact portion 24 includes a resilient, V-shapedwire contact 68. Thewire contact 68 includes afixed end 70, afree end 72, and anintermediate peak 74. Thefixed end 70 of thewire contact 68 extends from theterminal base 28 near the offset 58. Thefixed end 70 is located between the twostruts 62, and afirst wing 76 of thewire contact 68 extends from the fixedend 70 to thepeak 74. - The
free end 72 of thewire contact 68 includes twoguide tabs 78 that extend from opposed sides of thefree end 72. Each of theguide tabs 78 is located in one of theguide channels 64 on thestruts 62. Theguide tabs 78 are not fixed to thestruts 62 and, thus, are able to move in therespective guide channel 64 relative to thestruts 62 in a direction generally parallel to theterminal axis 16. Asecond wing 80 of thewire contact 68 extends from thefree end 72 to thepeak 74. - The
peak 74 is a curved portion of thewire contact 68 located where thefirst wing 76 and thesecond wing 80 meet. In the illustrated embodiment, thepeak 74 and theterminal base 28 are located on opposed sides of theterminal axis 16. Thepeak 74 may have any desired shape or orientation. - The
wire contact 68 includes a firstwire contact opening 82 that extends through thefirst wing 76. The firstwire contact opening 82 has an elliptical shape, but may have any desired shape. Theterminal axis 16 passes through the center of the illustrated firstwire contact opening 82, but the firstwire contact opening 82 may be in any desired position. Thewire contact 68 also includes a secondwire contact opening 84 that extends through thesecond wing 80. The secondwire contact opening 84 has an elliptical shape, but may have any desired shape. Theterminal axis 16 passes through the center of the illustrated secondwire contact opening 84, but the secondwire contact opening 84 may be in any desired position. - The
electrical terminal 10 includes aterminal lock 86. The illustratedterminal lock 86 includes a pair of resilient arms. Eachresilient arm 86 extends from one of thestruts 62 near theinsertion end 60, and extends toward thecontact portion 14. The operation of theterminal lock 86 will be described below. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , there is illustrated a perspective view of an electrical connector assembly, indicated generally at 87, shown prior to assembly. Theelectrical connector assembly 87 includes both theelectrical terminal 10 and an electrical connector, indicated generally at 88. Theelectrical connector 88 includes ahousing 90 and a terminal position assurance (TPA) 92. The illustratedhousing 90 is molded from plastic, but may be made by any desired material and process. Thehousing 90 includes aterminal slot 94 that is adapted to hold theelectrical terminal 10 for mating with a corresponding terminal (not shown) when theelectrical connector 88 is mated with a corresponding connector (not shown). Although only the singleelectrical terminal 10 is shown, the illustratedhousing 90 is able to hold two electrical terminals, and thehousing 90 may be configured to hold any desired number of electrical terminals. - Referring to
FIG. 5A , there is illustrated a cross-section view taken through theterminal slot 94 when theelectrical terminal 10 is in a seated position in thehousing 90.FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B ofFIG. 5A . Theelectrical terminal 10 is moved to the seated position by moving theinsertion end 60 into theterminal slot 94 in amate direction 96. In the illustrated embodiment, themate direction 96 is parallel to theterminal axis 16, but may have any desired orientation. Thehousing 90 includes aterminal support 98 on one side of theterminal slot 94, and a portion of theterminal base 28 is positioned adjacent to theterminal support 98. - The
housing 90 includes aterminal retainer 100 that holds theelectrical terminal 10 in theterminal slot 94. The illustratedterminal retainer 100 is a pair of tabs (one is visible inFIG. 5A ). As theelectrical terminal 10 is moved in themate direction 96 relative to thehousing 90, eachresilient arm 86 on theelectrical terminal 10 engages one of thetabs 100 and is deflected. When theelectrical terminal 10 is moved to the seated position, theresilient arms 86 rebound to the position shown inFIG. 5A and will engage thetabs 100 to prevent the electrical terminal 10 from being removed from thehousing 90. Thehousing 90 includesrelease openings 102 that allow a tool (not shown) to be inserted into thehousing 90 to deflect theresilient arms 86 so that theterminal lock 86 can be disengaged from theterminal retainer 100. This allows theelectrical terminal 10 to be removed from thehousing 90 to be repaired or replaced, if desired. - Referring to
FIG. 6A , a view similar toFIG. 5A is illustrated, with theTPA 92 shown in a pre-lock position relative to thehousing 90.FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B ofFIG. 6A . The illustratedTPA 92 is moved to the pre-lock position by positioning theTPA 92 with aninsertion end 104 facing thehousing 90 and moving theTPA 92 in themate direction 92 relative to thehousing 90. - The
TPA 92 includes TPA locks 106 that retain theTPA 92 in the pre-lock position relative to thehousing 90. The illustratedTPA locks 106 include resilient arms located on opposed sides of theterminal slot 94. Each resilient arm includes a tab that engages a respectivepre-lock slot 108 on thehousing 90. The illustratedTPA 92 includes two resilient arms, but may include any desired number or type of TPA lock. - The
TPA 92 includes alever switch 110 that engages theelectrical terminal 10 to move thelever 46 from the initial position (shown inFIGS. 1-5 ) to a pre-lock position (shown inFIG. 6 ). In the pre-lock position, thelever 46 is lifted away from theterminal base 28 and theinsertion channel 52 is made larger. Additionally, thelever 46 is moved so that theterminal axis 16 does not pass through thelever 46. Rather, when thelever 46 is in the pre-lock position, theterminal axis 16 passes between thelever 46 and theterminal base 28. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
TPA 92 includes twolever switches 110 on opposite sides of theelectrical terminal 10, adjacent to theside walls 38. Eachlever switch 110 engages one of thelift tabs 54 when theTPA 92 is in the pre-lock position. Eachlever switch 110 includes alift surface 112 that is sloped relative to theterminal axis 16. As theTPA 92 is moved into the pre-lock position, thelift surface 112 engages theguide surface 57 on therespective lift tab 54 and biases thelever 46 away from theterminal base 28. - Referring to
FIG. 7A , a view similar toFIG. 6A is illustrated, with thewire 12 shown in an inserted position relative to theelectrical terminal 10.FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B ofFIG. 7A . Thehousing 90 includes awire opening 114 that allows the wire to be inserted into thehousing 90 and into theterminal slot 94. In the illustrated embodiment, theterminal axis 16 passes through thewire opening 114. However, thewire opening 114 may have any desired orientation. - As shown in the
FIG. 4 , thewire 12 includes anexposed end 116 where a portion of theconductor 22 is exposed by removal of a portion of theinsulator 26 from thewire 12. To attach theelectrical terminal 10 to thewire 12, thewire 12 is initially positioned adjacent to thehousing 90 and is then moved into thewire opening 114 in aninsertion direction 118. In the illustrated embodiment, theinsertion direction 118 is parallel to theterminal axis 16 and is opposite themate direction 92. However, theinsertion direction 118 may have any desired orientation. - The
exposed end 116 of thewire 12 is moved through thewire opening 114, through the secondwire contact opening 84 on thewire contact 68 of theelectrical terminal 10, through the firstwire contact opening 82, and into theinterior space 34 of thebox 32. With thelever 46 in the pre-lock position, theconductor 22 of thewire 12 is able to be inserted into theinsertion channel 52 between theterminal base 28 and theengagement edge 50 of thelever 46 without engaging thelever 46. Thus, thelever 46 is not displaced by the insertion of thewire 12. This reduces the amount of force required to insert thewire 12 into theelectrical terminal 10. Alternatively, thelever 46 in the pre-lock position may be in a position where theconductor 22 does engage thelever 46, if desired. Thewire 12 is moved farther in theinsertion direction 118 until theconductor 22 engages awire stop 120 on the box 32 (shown onFIG. 3 ), which prevents further movement of theconductor 22 in theinsertion direction 118. In the illustrated embodiment, thewire stop 120 is a portion of thefront wall 42. - Referring to
FIG. 8A , a view similar toFIG. 7A is illustrated, with theTPA 92 shown in a locked position relative to thehousing 90.FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B ofFIG. 8A . The illustratedTPA 92 is moved to the locked position by moving theTPA 92 from the pre-lock position (shown inFIG. 7A ) in themate direction 92 relative to thehousing 90. - When the
TPA 92 is moved in themate direction 92 from the pre-lock position, the TPA locks 106 are biased out of thepre-lock slots 108. When theTPA 92 is moved to the locked position, the TPA locks 106 rebound intofinal lock slots 122 on thehousing 90. - When the
TPA 92 is in the locked position, thelever switch 110 allows thelever 46 to move from the pre-lock position to a locked position. In the locked position, thelever 46 is moved toward theterminal base 28 and theinsertion channel 52 is made smaller. This allows theengagement edge 50 of thelever 46 to engage theconductor 22 of thewire 12. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
TPA 92 includesswitch wells 124 that are located adjacent to the lever switches 110. Theswitch wells 124 are portions of theTPA 92 that are closer to theterminal base 28 than the lever switches 110 are. When theTPA 92 is moved to the locked position, eachlift tab 54 enters one of theswitch wells 124 and theresilient lever 46 rebounds toward theterminal base 28. Because theconductor 22 is located between thelever 46 and theterminal base 28, theengagement edge 50 of thelever 46 engages theconductor 22, and theresilient lever 46 presses against theconductor 22. Thelever 46 also presses theconductor 22 against theterminal base 28. The illustratedlever 46 includes aconductor notch 126 on theengagement edge 50. The illustratedconductor notch 126 is a cut-out portion of theengagement edge 50 of thelever 46 that has a generally semi-circular shape. Theconductor 22 is located partially in theconductor notch 126, which increases the contact area between thelever 46 and theconductor 22. The engagement of theconductor 22 with thelever 46 and theterminal base 28 provides an electrical connection between theconductor 22 and theelectrical terminal 10. - The engagement of the
conductor 22 with thelever 46 and theterminal base 28 also resists thewire 12 from being removed from theelectrical terminal 10. If a force is applied to move thewire 12 opposite theinsertion direction 118 relative to theelectrical terminal 10, thelever 46 will be pulled opposite theinsertion direction 118 and will pinch theconductor 22 between thelever 46 and theterminal base 28. - The
TPA 92 also includes awire lock 128 which engages thewire contact 68 in order to press thewire contact 68 into a locked position in engagement with thewire 12. Thewire lock 128 is located in theterminal slot 94 so that theelectrical terminal 10 is located between theterminal support 98 and thewire lock 128. Thewire lock 128 engages thepeak 74 of thewire contact 68 and pushes the peak 74 toward theterminal base 28. As a result, thefree end 72 of thewire contact 68 is pushed toward theinsertion end 60 of theelectrical terminal 10. Theguide tabs 78 located in theguide channels 64 restrict how far thefree end 72 is able to move away from theterminal axis 16. In the illustrated embodiment, when thewire 12 is in the inserted position, the portions of thewire 12 in thewire contact openings insulator 26. When theTPA 92 is moved to the locked position, thefirst wing 76 and thesecond wing 80 are moved so that afirst engagement edge 130 and asecond engagement edge 132 are pushed into theinsulator 26 of thewire 12. The engagement edges 130 and 132 are the portions of thewings wire contact openings peak 74. Thewire contact 68 is made of a harder material than theinsulator 26, and theinsulator 26 is displaced by the engagement edges 130 and 132. - When the
TPA 92 is in the locked position, theinsulation contact portion 24 resists thewire 12 being removed from theelectrical terminal 10. A force applied to move thewire 12 away from theelectrical terminal 10 will be resisted by the engagement of thewire contact 68 with theinsulator 26 of thewire 12. If desired, thewire contact 68 may engage with theconductor 22 of thewire 12. Although the illustratedinsulation contact portion 24 has been described in detail, theelectrical terminal 10 may have any desired connection to theinsulator 26 of the wire. - The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.
Claims (19)
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US16/124,597 US10673167B2 (en) | 2018-09-07 | 2018-09-07 | Low-force push-in electrical terminal |
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US16/124,597 US10673167B2 (en) | 2018-09-07 | 2018-09-07 | Low-force push-in electrical terminal |
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US20200083629A1 true US20200083629A1 (en) | 2020-03-12 |
US10673167B2 US10673167B2 (en) | 2020-06-02 |
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US7927127B1 (en) | 2009-10-16 | 2011-04-19 | Lear Corporation | Electrical terminal device |
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US4385794B1 (en) * | 1978-07-25 | 1987-11-10 | ||
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US10673167B2 (en) | 2020-06-02 |
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